The thing about Jesus

If you wouldn't describe yourself as a Christian, then some things on my website might seem a bit strange to you.

But what exactly is a Christian? In this world, there are many people who say they are Christians, but there are so many different denominations and differing view points that it's easy to lose track and shake your head in confusion.

The disciples and followers of Jesus Christ were named as the first Christians.

Christians were therefore first called those who followed Christ (the anointed one).

Jesus, as the Son of God, died innocently on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, so that if we believe in him and trust him, we can once again have fellowship with God, our Creator and Father. This fellowship extends beyond this life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Okay, great, so Christians follow a dead man!? Well, not quite: Anyone who is aware of the Easter story knows that Jesus rose again and is alive, just as he had predicted.

He returned to the Father in heaven and then sent out his Holy Spirit so that everyone who wants to, can receive him and be born again, to lead a life turned towards God instead of away from him.

To believe this requires faith. Just as Jesus himself said: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Following Jesus therefore means believing in his existence and taking him seriously.

Taking him seriously has consequences. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and wants to follow him out of love will take to heart what Jesus teaches us through his word in the Bible.

Luke 9:23 Then Jesus said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Jesus knows that his teachings are difficult for people to bear, put into practice, or even understand. But that is why he sent us his Spirit as a helper, so that through him, we might understand and experience inner transformation.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.

You might be thinking this is all completely crazy. But what I do know is that many people I meet are hopeless, bitter, and grumpy, and see no meaning in their lives. I also know that everyone who doesn't suppress their deepest questions longs for something more, and that many people search in all sorts of places, yet they don't ask for God.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

If you want to turn to God, then talk to Him. Prayer doesn't mean repeating empty words, but simply speaking with God. If you recognize your sinfulness, ask God for forgiveness and that He will help you understand His word in the Bible.

See how God will change your life!

A prayer for you

Dear God, thank you for making me wonderful, for loving me, and for wanting the best for my life.

I am sorry that I have lived without you. Jesus, please forgive me all my sins. I trust in you and ask you to come into my life. Be my God. Be my Saviour and my best friend. Fill me with your Spirit and help me to follow you and live as you please.

Amen.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

https://www.bible.com/en